Services

Psychosis (Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder)

Common symptoms are

• Hearing voices
• Wandering aimlessly
• Suspiciousness
• Mood fluctuations
• Suicidality
• Poor self care
• Overspending
• Making tall claims

Treatment is usually long-term using Antipsychotic medications. Patient may remain fully functional and working while on proper treatment.

Addiction

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a ‘bad habit’ but a serious disorder. Entire brain neural circuits are rewired in these patients.

Addiction may of various kinds-

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Heroin/Cough Syrup/Pain Medications
• Ganja/Hashish/Bhang
• Sleeping pills
• Excessive internet use
• Gambling

Treatment involves both medications and psychotherapy (commonly, Motivational Enhancement Therapy).

Depression

Depression is more than low mood. It affects all aspects of one's life..

Common symptoms are –

• Lack of sleep
• Low appetite
• Unexplained headache
• Easy fatigue
• Lack of concentration

Treatment involves Antidepressant medications (yes, they are safe) and psychotherapy (commonly, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

OCD

A distressing condition where unwanted thoughts keep coming in one’s head, like fear of dirt, catching a disease, having forgotten to lock the door and so on. The person has no control over his thoughts and actions, like repeated washing, cleaning, checking etc.

Treatment involves medications and psychotherapy (commonly Exposure and Response prevention therapy).

Epilepsy

Commonest symptoms are –

• Fainting
• Tongue bite
• Frothing from mouth
• Unconsciousness

But sometimes there may be simpler like –

• jerky movement of a body part
• Staring for a few seconds
• Loss of sensation or abnormal sensation
• Sudden aggression

Treatment involves long-term medications.

ADHD

Common presentation in children is poor school performance.

Prominent features are –

• Lack of concentration
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Impulsivity
• Anger outbursts

Treatment involves medications and Behavioral Therapy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

You chronically suffer from –

• Bloating
• Stomach ache
• Constipation/Diarrhoea
• Repeated visits to the latrine
• Sense of incomplete evacuation after visiting the latrine
• Nausea/loss of appetite
• Symptoms increase if you are under stress

Treatment involves medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle modification.

Anxiety Disorder

Very common condition and often treatment seeking is quite late.

Common symptoms are -

• Worrying over trivial issues
• Sudden palpitations
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Breathlessness
• Avoiding Crowded Places, Elevators, Social situations

Treatment involves medications and psychotherapy (Relaxation therapy commonly).

Dementia

Commonly affects elderly people.

Common presentations are –

• Forget things
• Wander away from home
• Cannot recognize people
• Suspect they are being ill-treated
• Have sudden anger outbursts.

Treatment involves medications to slow the disease process and training caregivers.